Tonight we'll take a star hop from helium rich Lambda Scorpii about three fingerwidths east-northeast to an even more prominent area of stars that was known to Ptolemy as far back as 130 AD. Astronomers throughout the ages have spent time with this cluster: Hodierna as Ha II.2; Edmund Halley in 1678 as number 29, J. Derham in 1733 as number 16, Phillipe De Cheseaux as number 10, Louis Lacaille as II.14; Johann Bode as 41; once for William Herschel and again for John Herschel as h 3710; Dreyer as NGC 6475... But we know it best as M7 (Right Ascension: 17:53.9 - Declination: -34:49).

Set against the backdrop of the Milky Way, even the smallest of binoculars will enjoy this bright open cluster while telescopes can resolve its 80 members. Roughly 800 light-years away, it contains many different spectral types in various stages of evolution, giving the cluster an apparent age of about 260 million years. Full of binaries and close doubles, an extreme test of tonight's lighting conditions would be to see if you can spot the 11th magnitude globular cluster NGC 6453 (Right Ascension: 17 : 50.9 - Declination: -34 : 36) to the northwest!

Image Credit: M11 Courtesy of N.A Sharp/REU Program/NOAO/AURA/NSF

And for last, the densely populated open cluster M11 (Right Ascension: 18:51.1 - Declination: -06:16). The "Wild Duck" cluster soars about a fist's width northeast of M16. Dominated by a single 8th magnitude star, this conically-shaped 3,000 member assembly of stardust easily resolves into innumerable stars with any significant amount of magnification. Through intermediate aperture, this 6000 light-year distant, 250 million year old cluster takes on a new form as several hundred 13th and 14th magnitude members begin to spill outside its V-shaped bounds! Discovered by Gottfried Kirch of Berlin observatory in 1681, the cluster was first noted as stellar by William Derham in the first third of the 18th century. Charles Messier added it to his catalog May 30, 1764.

Saturday, August 24

Tonight our study of globular clusters continues as we look deeper into structure. As a rule, globular clusters normally contain a large number of variable stars, and most are usually the RR Lyrae type. At one time they were known as "cluster variables," with their number differing from one globular to another. Many globulars also contain vast numbers of white dwarfs. Some have neutron stars which are detected as pulsars, but out of all 151, only four have planetary nebulae in them.

Now, let us head toward the emerging constellation of Pegasus and the magnitude 6.5, M15 (Right Ascension: 21:30.0 - Declination: +12:10). Easily located with even small binoculars about four degrees northwest of Enif, this magnificent globular cluster is a true delight in a telescope. Amongst the globulars, M15 ranks third in variable star population with 112 identified. As one of the densest of clusters, it is surprising that it is considered to be only class III. Its deeply concentrated core is easily apparent, and has begun the process of core collapse. The central core itself is very small compared to the cluster's true size and almost half M15′s mass is contained within it. Although it has been studied by the Hubble, we still do not know if this density is caused by the cluster stars' mutual gravity, or if it might disguise a supermassive object similar to those in galactic nuclei.

Image Credit: M15 Courtesy of NOAO/AURA/NSF

M15 was the first globular cluster in which a planetary nebula, known as Pease 1, could be identified. Larger aperture scopes can easily see it at high power. Surprisingly, M15 also is home to 9 known pulsars, which are neutron stars left behind from previous supernovae during the cluster's evolution, and one of these is a double neutron star. While total resolution is impossible, a handful of bright stars can be picked out against that magnificent core region and wonderful chains and streams of members await your investigation tonight!

Sunday, August 25

Tonight, begin with just your eyes as you gaze about four fingerwidths above the top of the Sagittarius "teapot dome" for an open window on the stars and mighty M24 (Right Ascension: 18:18.4 - Declination: -18:25)...

This huge, hazy patch of stars is in reality an area of space known as "Baade's Window" - an area free of obscuring gas and dust. Cataloged by Messier in 1764 as object 24, even small binoculars will reveal the incredible vista of the "Sagittarius Star Cloud." Although it's actually not a cluster, but rather a clean view of an area of our own galaxy's spiral arm, that will not lessen the impact when viewed through a telescope. Spanning a degree and a half of sky, it is one of the few areas in which even a novice can easily perceive areas of dark dust.

For a large telescope challenge, look for dim, open cluster NGC 6603 (Right Ascension: 18:18.4 - Declination: -18:25) in the northeastern corner of the Window. There are two very notable dark nebulae, B92 and B93, located in the northern segment as well. Near teardrop shaped B92 and its single central star, you should spot open cluster Collinder 469 and also Markarian 38 south of B93. You'll find B86 near Gamma Sagittarii . At the southern edge of the star cloud, look for emission nebula IC 1283-1284, along with the reflection nebulae NGC 6589 (Right Ascension: 18:16.9 - Declination: -19:46) and NGC 6590 (Right Ascension: 18:17.0 - Declination: -19:53) and open cluster NGC 6595 (Right Ascension: 18:17.0 - Declination: -19:53). Still up for more? Then head west to see if you can find 12th-magnitude planetary nebula NGC 6567 (Right Ascension: 18:13.7 - Declination: -19:05). Even if you don't accept these challenges, you can still enjoy looking at a 560 light-year swatch of stars from one of the Milky Way's loving arms!

Tammy is a professional astronomy author, President Emeritus of Warren Rupp Observatory and retired Astronomical League Executive Secretary. She's received a vast number of astronomy achievement and observing awards, including the Great Lakes Astronomy Achievement Award, RG Wright Service Award and the first woman astronomer to achieve Comet Hunter's Gold Status.

Astro-images taken through a telescope on a tracking mount provide breathtaking color and detail that you just can't see with your eyes alone. The astro-images on our web site demonstrate the imaging capabilities of the products used and are not intended to represent what you will see when you look through a telescope.
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